Top Ten Tuesday | Blogger, Bookish and Other (Unimportant) Facts

July 11, 2016

to Read
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Words)

Oh dear. Whenever I find myself the topic of some sort of
“facts” blog post, my mind immediately goes blank. Why is this? Well not only
do I feel awkward talking about myself (sharing opinions is, to me, a
completely different thing which is why I don’t find it difficult to write
reviews) and my life isn’t
interesting enough for Internet consumption. I also never carved Finding
Wonderland niche as a journaling outlet. All of this to say that today’s Top Ten
Tuesday meme asks us to overlook these reservations in favor of sharing ten
facts about ourselves.

(bookish or just general about you facts
or ten facts about you as a blogger...whatever you want)

Below is probably a mash-up of “facts.” Such as they are –
one that’s not below is also the fact that I do most of my blogging or article
writing late night or wee hours of the early morning. Some geared towards
blogging and bookish things others are just about life in general. Ok, let’s
get this started and see what crops up!

1. 2011 | The year I began blogging. How has it been five
years already? (Fun giveaways coming next month.)

2. Baking | I’ve become a tiny bit obsessed with reading
foodie blogs. My favorite things to bake these days? Muffins! I’ve made more of
those these past six months that I probably should have. It’s a good thing I
(most of the time) use discipline and don’t overeat otherwise I’d be in a heap
of trouble. What recipes are among your favorite?

3. Cell Phone | I’m probably the ONLY person on the planet
who DOESN’T own a cell phone. At least not one in the normal sense. I have one
primarily for emergencies and it’s one of those pay-as-you-go phones. Yeah, I’m
clearly living in the dark ages (and proud of it). That said, at some point I will have to get a phone/plan, so I ask
you all, the experts: what phones/plans do you recommend?

4. Decorating | I tend to be an artistic soul, but the one
thing I haven’t done is decorate my room. I painted it about five years ago
now, have a collection of wall decorations, admired ideas and thought about décor
bliss, but haven’t actually done any of it.

5. Fashion | BOOK NERD ALERT CONFESSION! No secret has been
made about my being a book cover snob. I’m a sucker for a pretty cover and
because of this I kinda’ want to raid the closets of the following characters:
America Singer, Lady Kestrel or Natasha Romanoff (as seen in the 2016 adaptation,
War & Peace). I wouldn’t have a
place to wear all of these beautiful things, but golly, it’d be fun! Practical
realist me loves Kohls.

6. Flying | I didn’t step foot on a plane until I was 17 or
18 and haven’t since. Although I didn’t mind the experience at all – taking off
was beautiful because we flew at night and seeing the lit-up skyline? Gorgeous.

7. Graphic Design | The art of “graphic design” (using this
term loosely for myself) is an amateur hobby I’ve grown to love in the last 6
months to a year. There is SO much material out there and inspiration because
of this material. What are some of your favorite design resources?

8. Lemon Poppy Seed (Muffins) | Speaking of muffins, while I love variety and flavors in muffins, overall, one of my favorite “sweet tooth” treats
are lemon poppy seed muffins. It’s stood the test of time as my long-standing
favorite.

9. Politics | There’s a lot going on in our US world today.
With this, no one can legitimately argue. And I have opinions on it. In fact,
some of the time I can barely restrain
from commenting when I see something on Twitter, but I chose not to. The
reasons vary, one of which is because I decided long ago to keep my bookish place in this
community “fun.” That’s primarily what it was created for, and that’s what I
want it to remain. Creating it to be something other than that was never an option: I encourage and respect differing opinion in the comments, but this subject? Well it can bring heated opinions, and I'm not sure that's Finding Wonderland's purpose. That said, I am thinking about writing a generalized blog
post (on why I don't go this route). Thoughts?

10. TV Addict | This is moi. I watch WAY too many TV shows
(the fact that I have so many started is proof of this), and when I’m feeling
particularly bored (which should be never considering there’s always work to be
done), I search iTunes for new shows to try. Yep, I have a problem. Still this
shall not prevent me from asking the important question: What are some of YOUR
favorite TV shows?

BONUS! 11. Blogging Series | Some of you probably already
know about this if you’re a frequent reader, but because I’m a blogger nerd, I
thought I’d take an opportunity to mention it today. My plan is to start a kind
of blogger series that invites my fellow blogger friends to contribute posts to
the series. Our topics would (ideally) come from readers or newbie bloggers when I open the questions to readers (i.e., we’d ask you to ask us questions
and present us with new topics to discuss or things you’d like to know more
about). Let me know down below if you have any thoughts on a blogging series;
any and all feedback is MOST welcome.

That’s it for today’s Top Ten Tuesday
random-all-over-the-place blogger facts! What did you share about yourself
today? Let me know all about your bookish thoughts down below! I’d love to
chat.

42 comments:

Ooo, let me know if you find it, Amanda! I have one I LOVE, but the source of which I don't know otherwise I'd share the link. The latest one I tried is from Truvia.com. They were yummy (although I did make some changes)!

Muffins! OH and I do love a good lemon poppy seed one. I love to bake too but I'm much more into biscuits (what americans call cookies. Not the scone type things they call biscuits). I made a bunch of chocolate chip cranberry ones just before. They're pretty good but I'm a little obsessed with cranberries at the moment. I think I wish I was less addicted to my phone. I use it all the time even if most of the time I'm using it just to google something. I love the instant gratification with regards to questions I have and how awesome the internet is at knowing everything.

I've not made many cookies with cranberries, but I do love cranberries. My mom orders bulk dried cranberries that are to die for. Total snack "candy" right there. ;)

I think the Internet (no matter the way you chose to use it - i.e. computer, phone, tablet) is a fabulous tool. The trick is figuring out how to balance our use of it. Or that's my thought. Believe me, even without a phone, I do get lost in the vastness of the Internet, specifically where this blogging community is concerned. It's just so fun! :)

I'm the one other person in the world who doesn't have a cell phone. :) My mom and I share an old-fashioned Tracfone for emergencies, and I'm perfectly happy with that. I have no desire for a cell phone, and I really don't understand the obsession with them.

It's nice to read more about you, Rissi! I can understand being reluctant to share too much online. It can definitely be nerve wracking. I have a cell phone, but it's a basic one. Sometimes it feels a bit isolating when it seems like everyone else has smart phones and are constantly talking about this app or that app, so it's nice to know I'm not the only one that isn't addicted to a smartphone. And I love decorating, too. I don't do as much as I'd like, but I try to make my room pretty with what little I have or can make. This was a very interesting list, Rissi!

I've become more open about "life" topics in the years I've blogged, but much of my reservations are simple: my life, while perfect and wonderful for me, isn't that interesting. :) I'm happy with it and where I'm at, but beyond that, it's just a normal life.

YAY! Glad to not be the only non-cell (non-smart-phone) addict. It's funny because my family will be together with either my dad's or mom's side and everyone but us are glued to their phones. It's a little awkward. ;)

Decorating is fun! Now I just have to do it. Thanks for reading, Miranda.

I miss the days of pay-as-you-go plans/prepaid cards/all that. I know they still exist, but they are pretty rare compared to the plans that you can get these days (I've been having some phone problems lately so much as I begrudge it, I'm looking into a new phone (and maybe a new plan. We'll see)).

I love plane travel! Well, the last one was pretty uncomfortable (and the trip made wasn't for happy reasons), but I still enjoy it, lol.

Ooh, looking forward to hearing more about this blogger series you're planning on starting! =D

I've read in some articles that the pay-as-you-go plans are less expensive. Although mine is, unfortunately, not one of them. Here's hoping I find a better fit whether that's the aforementioned or a plan with a cell company. Good luck with your searching!

I'd love to travel too. But alas, the stars - or something - just don't align right now. Someday.

Thanks, Lianne! I am too. Now I just need to finish the intro post and hit publish. :)

I didn't have a cell phone at all until a few months ago! It hasn't been a huge change for me, though, since I don't use it a lot, but it's nice to have in case of emergencies. And now I want to go make some muffins!

A blogger series sound fun. I've mostly steered clear of posting on politics too although I have recently consider posting a bit, but it would have to be a teeny-weeny bit. Probably best not to though.I got my first cell phone (a flip phone) at 19 and then at 20 or 21 I got an iphone for my birthday. Still have the same model. I prefer my computer. One thing that would hurt if I got rid of it is the GPS, but cars now often have them installed.

Polotics: Yeah, that's my philosophy - steer clear. People are passionate about the whole right vs. wrong debate and I don't think I want to dip into that brand of crazy opinions. This awesome book community is passionate too, but I'm glad to report we're all passionate (even in disagreements) in the best sense. Or this has been my experience.

I prefer my laptop or computer for any and all blogging and writing. It's just the most convenient option for me. Even when I do get a phone I won't use it for blogging because TINY keyboard and TINY screen. ;) Probably much of my happiness without a phone is to do with growing up without one. Can't miss something you never had. ;)

Ahhh you're not alone with the phone!! I DO NOT HAVE A PHONE. I don't even have an emergency phone...hahaha. My entire family has iPhones and I'm there with nothing and not wanting anything ever. Phones are scary.😂 Also your graphic design skills are GORGEOUS! I love how pretty your blog is ahhhh!!😍And I totally get what you mean about the politics! ME TOO. I have many thoughts/opinions on things going on in the world today but I choose not to talk about them because it's my right to decide to have a happy/fun blog! I know it makes some people think I don't care, but eh, they can get over it. I think we NEED blogs that just promote pretty things and interesting discussions and fun times. :D

*high five* I often feel alone in my "cool" status of NOT owning a phone, Cait. Really glad to know there are others out there who don't own one either. ;)

Thanks! I do have fun with these designs and your photos (for reviews, blog posts, etc.) are lovely! I don't know if I've ever mentioned that before, but they are stunning. Always admire your skills.

Politics: YES! This is exactly how I feel! Sometimes when I see people tweeting logical things or thoughts of sympathy I'm tempted to say something, but then I remember my "rule." Overall, I feel like this is the wiser option (for me) and you're right. We do need happy/fun places to hang out! There's far too much "bad" on the Internet as it is. :)

Thank you for stopping by here - it's always a pleasure to visit Paper Fury. :)

You are definitely not the only one without a cell phone. I don't have one either. It's obscene how much plans cost these days! Also, I don't really want to have a cell phone because then people might actually call me. And that just won't do. *slinks back into introvert cave*

I'm totally with you on the graphic design obsession. Mine really only started last November when I started taking my Pinterest graphics seriously and since then I've redesigned my site header twice and learned a ton of new Photoshop skills. So much fun! One of my favorite design resources is design-seeds.com. They have the most gorgeous color palettes! The other two resources that I use the most are StockSnap.io (for photos) and FontSquirrel.com (for fonts). It's hard to find really stunning photos and fonts that are 100% free without restriction and those two are the best I've come across.

I hear you on the politics issue. I've [mostly] refrained from talking about it on Twitter, but sometimes I let loose just a tiny bit (usually when making fun of Donald Trump...but can you blame me? I mean...the HAIR.).

YES! Cell phone non-users UNITE! ;) I'm glad to know I'm not alone and agree. Plans are insanely expensive. It's part of the reason I'm looking into some of the plans like TracFone offers, etc.

Kate, all of your design tips/advice are amazing! I so appreciate you doing all the hard work of looking into the ins and outs of what works vs. what doesn't for blogging graphics, etc. Your series was much appreciated for that reason and many more. I'd like to someday use Photoshop but golly, it's expensive. Someday. ;)

LOL, yes! Sometimes even amidst the sorrow and nail-biting seriousness of politics, one MUST laugh at some of the things going on. Sometimes, politicians act more like arguing 5-year-olds on the playground vs. the next president - and it's all like, "GROW UP!"

The HAIR = :D

Thanks, Kate! If you'd like to contribute anything, please know, you're most welcome. I believe the intro post goes live a week from today. :)

I think cell phones are somewhat overrated. Just because I have a phone on me, people think I'm available to them all day. But maybe I can't answer the phone right now! Maybe I'm busy! Fortunately, I don't have a texting plan so I don't have to deal with people sending me "What's up?" messages all day and then wondering why it took me six hours to get back to them. I don't know. Just because the message is instant, people seem to think I should always be able to get back instantly.

All excellent points, Krysta. I agree - and think this is part of the reason we don't go without a landline. The idea of taking your phone (I.e., if that was your only means of communication) with you everywhere wherever you go is, well, a bit weird. ;) Thanks so much for commenting! :)

This is so fun! I have had a cell phone since I got my driver's license... in 1999. So yeah hahah I cannot even imagine not having one at this point- though i didn't have a data plan until a couple years ago! And 5 years blogging, what an accomplishmenT! Congrats :) And I love the idea of a blogging series- and totally share your thoughts about politics, I'd love to read it!

Lemon poppy seed muffins? Yummo! :) No cell phone?! Say it ain't so! No really, I get that. If you don't need one (especially as I think you have a tablet, right?), then kudos to you! Way to not be so focused on your phone like the rest of us. :) And what do you mean you haven't decorated your room? Have I or have I not seen pics of all your books? That's decoration, my friend! ;)

They were pretty yummy. I've been making so many muffins lately, it's crazy. But there have been some good, and some not-so-good. My favorite recipe of late is a blueberry muffin that is "bakery" style. They're so tasty.

Right!? I figured I'd get lots of incredulous comments with that. ;) I don't mind people relying so much on their phone, and understand how convenient they are, but sometimes when you're in a group and everyone is buried in their phone (when you thought you were getting together to see and CONVERSE with family, etc.), it's a little... well, awkward. ;)

(Yes, I do have a Samsung tablet and love it. I'm thinking I'll get a Samsung phone when it comes to that because of this.)

YOU ARE RIGHT! What am I thinking? Is there any better decoration than books! We think not.

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